Volcanoes, deserts, rivers, glaciers, lakes: Chile's landscape is extremely varied and so are its climates, especially since the country stretches for miles north to south. A trip to Chile is an experience that leaves a mark, certainly for the beauty of nature (come to think of the magnificent Patagonia glaciers!), but also for the human aspects, for example the mysterious moais of Easter Island or Rapa Nui.
When to leave for a trip to Chile then, considering its morphology and shape? Let's try to make it clear.
The climate in Chile
The climate in Chile varies depending on latitude. Temperatures and weather conditions change considerably from north to south given the extension of the nation. Season are reversed compared to European ones. since the country is located in the southern hemisphere. The winter thus begins in June and ends in September, the summer lasts from December to March.
- In Northern Chile the climate is very dry, the landscape is dominated by deserts with temperatures reaching 25 degrees by day and descending down to 12 by night.
- On the Andes peaks temperatures go down, even considerably, especially in the winter,
- In Central Chile the climate is Mediterranean, with mild weather and rains in winter. In the summer, meaning between December and March, temperatures can reach 30 degree, especially in the capital Santiago.
- Southern Chile is occupied by the territories of Chilean Patagonia, where temperatures begin to lower, while rainfalls become more frequent and heavy. In the far south of Chile temperatures easily reach zero degrees between June and July.
- On Easter Island the weather is always hot and subtropical, with minimum temperatures of 15 degrees in August and 25-26 in February.
When to go to Chile
Considering the differences on the whole, the best period to visit Chile is the European winter, between November and March. In this period, rainfalls are less frequent and it is also possible to visit southern Chile, because the climate is milder.
Atacama desert: when to go
Atacama desert is certainly one of the top highlights of Chile. Famous for being the driest place on Earth, it is situated in northern Chile.
There are areas in Atacama desert where rain has never been registered, ever since human kind has started registering precipitations. The climate changes little over the year, so it can be visited all year round.
When to go to Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile is the capital of Chile. The coldest month is July, with lows around 2 degrees, while the hottest month is January, with a maximum temperature of around 30 degrees. The averages are around 14 degrees.
When to go to Santiago? Temperatures are acceptable in all seasons, certainly the months from November to March are the sunniest. The wettest months are those from May to September, especially June; the driest months are those from December to March.
Valparaiso and Pacific coast: the seaside in Chile
Valparaiso is an important seaside resort in central Chile, overlooking the Pacific coast.
When to go to the sea then in Chile? The sunniest time for beach life is from November to March. The most covered and cloudy months are those from May to September, in particular June. These are also the wettest and coldest months, so we do not recommend them for beach life.
Chile and Easter Island: when to go
Easter Island has a humid and sultry climate in summer and mild in winter. Between January and February the values are around 24 degrees, while between July and September, the coldest season, temperatures do not fall below 18 degrees. Between January and April weather can touch peaks of 35 degrees. The rains are quite abundant and frequent throughout the year, but without the risk of cyclones.
However, the wettest months are April and May. Even the wind blows all year. When to go to Easter Island? The climate is pleasant all year round, but the best times are the months from December to March, when the heat is bearable thanks to the constant presence of breezes and the sunshine is excellent.
Chile and Argentina combined trip: best time to visit Patagonia
For many travelers, the ideal trip to South America is the Chile - Argentina combined tour, also perfect for a honeymoon. In particular, what travelers want is to visit Patagonia, a region that occupies part of the Argentine territory and part of the Chilean one.
But when to leave to see this fascinating land? As for the Chilean Patagonia, the best period is between October and March, corresponding to the southern spring - summer, when temperatures are not excessively rigid. Rain is abundant and frequent throughout the year. As for Argentine Patagonia, the season to be preferred is the southern spring-summer as well, avoiding the months of June, July and August which are the most rigid.
Traveling to Chile: what to pack
What to pack before leaving for a tour of Chile? Given the variety of climates, it is advisable to bring clothes of all seasons with you. However, choosing to travel in the dry season, or the austral summer from September to May, you can bring light clothing, swimwear, caps, sunglasses and sunscreen, without forgetting sweatshirts to protect yourself from the wind. In addition to travel medicines, it is recommended to carry insect repellent sprays as well.
If you choose to travel in the coldest and most rainy months, corresponding to the boreal summer and the austral winter, umbrella and kway are indispensable given the possibility of rain. If you explore the desert area, in addition to a hat and sunscreen, you should also bring a moisturizer and a lip balm against dry lips. Very important then, during the excursions, are the water supplies.
